Catamenial bandages



May 29, 1956 B. M. MERCER 2,747,575

CATAMENIAL BANDAGES Filed Aug. 15, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig. 3

Fig.2

I l L lllr llIlllllllllllllllllllliiiIIi INVENTOR. Berton M. Mercer ATTORNEY May 29, 1956 B. M. MERCER CATAMENIAL BANDAGES 5 Sheets-Sheet Filed Aug. 15, 1952 INVENTOR. Berton M. Mercer n a rag ATTORNEY May 29, 1956 B. M. MERCER CATAMENIAL BANDAGES 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 15, 1952 INVENTOR. Berton M. Mercer ATTORNEY United States Patent Ofice 2,747,575 Patented May 29, 1956 CATAMENIAL BANDAGES Berton M. Mercer, New York, N. Y.

Application August 15, 1952, Serial No. 304,533

Claims. (Cl. 128-290) This invention relates to catamenial bandages of the pad type.

The art of catamenial bandages has progressed from the antiquated modified diaper to the use of a gauze-enclosed pad of cellulosic material in the form of an elongated rectangular entity of a width approximately such that it will pass between the legs at the crotch portion of the users body and is adapted to be attached at its ends to a suitable belt designed for the purpose. It is a known fact, however, that such a pad, to have adequate fluid capacity and sufficient area to fully underlie the vulva, has to have a width of such extent that it quickly becomes compressed laterally between the users legs, as a result of which, and because of the moisture absorbed, rapidly deforms into a shapeless condition having .more resemblance to rope than to a fiat pad. Such a bandage not only fails to meet the requirements of interception and absorption of the female discharge, but becomes stiff from coagulation thereof, rough and uncomfortable and promotes chafing and sores. Some efforts at improvement over the rectangular pad construction have been made, but still found unsuccessful and inadequate prior to the herein disclosed invention. In addition to complete absorption of the fluid discharge, a highly important consideration is entrapment of odor, and gaining both of these beneficial results are essential objectives of the present invention.

Categorically, a pad which does not maintain its intended or given shape reasonably well in use, is ineffective for the purpose desired, and an essential object of the present invention is to provide a catamenial bandage which retains its basic shape and effectiveness for maximum serviceability.

Somewhat more specifically, an object of the invention is to provide a catamenial bandage which is inherently self-adjusting and form-fitting to the body, and which permits compression of the pad without destroying the basic shape and resiliency thereof, and which is constructed to resume its original shape when the compressive force is relieved, and provides a pad more comfortable to Wear.

A further object of the invention is to provide a catamenial bandage with a self-adjusting construction which will enable the center portion of the bandage as Well as the sides, to maintain a snug contact at the uppermost limits of the users legs at the crotch so that rubbing and friction on the legs is avoided.

A closely related object to the foregoing one is to provide a pad the sides of which produce, as compared to prior art pads, a greatly reduced pressure laterally against the users legs.

Another object of the invention is to provide a catamenial bandage with improved efficiency for moisture diffusion and absorption, and which will effectively prevent the received discharge from running over the sides of the bandage, and, for a given person, is usable for a longer time than prior art bandages before 'it has to be discarded.

Yet another object of the invention is provision of a bandage that fits snugly against the crotch of the users body around the area of the vulva to restrict free circulation and escape of odor from the discharge.

Still further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art to which it appcrtains during the course of the more detailed description set forth below, it being understood, however, that such description is given by way of illustration and explanation only, and not by way of limitation, since various changes therein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals of reference indicate the same parts throughout the several views;

Figure 1 is a perspective plan of a catamenial bandage embodying my invention;

Figure 2 is an underneath view of the bandage but with the outer gauze wrapping not yet applied thereto;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view on line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Figure 4 is a cross-section of a bandage in its initial stage of formation;

Figure 5 is a cross-section similar to Fig. 4 but showing the bandage in a more advanced stage of fabrication;

Figure 6 is a similar cross-section of the completed pad and may be considered as taken on line 6-6 of Fig. .1;

Figures 7, 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views showing successive stages of fabrication to completion of a modified construction of bandage;

Figure 10 is a perspective plan of said modified construction of bandage, but without the outer gauze Wrapping yet applied;

Figure 11 is an underneath perspective thereof;

Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view on line 12-42 of Fig. 10; and

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a still further modified construction of catarnenial bandage.

In the specific embodiment of the invention for attaining the above-recited and other objects, the drawings show that I provide for gathering-in the central portion of an elongated pad body 15, so that said central portion bulges upward in the form of a longitudinal medial hump 16 of laterally rounding upper surfaces such that the hump or bulge is of considerable length in the same direction as the length of the pad and medially of the side edges of the pad. The hump has substantially even width throughout its length, and its length .is preferably a major portion of the length of the pad. In the initial formation of the hump, the sides and ends thereof slope down to the level of the side portions or margins 17 and end portions 18 respectively of the pad body.

The pad body having been gathered in laterally and its medial portion bulged to form the hump 16, the hump thus formed is permanently maintained from flattening out by the inclusion of a hump-retaining means. According to the exemplification of Figures 1 to 6 inclusive, said humpretaining means is constituted as a strip of substantial fabric 19 held next the base sides of the hump beneath the same by parallel lines of stitches 2i) longitudinally of the pad and hump. These stitches 29, which are of the character of permanent basting, are applied without materially compressing the pad body, so said pad body is substantially as thick and fluid-absorbent where the stitches are applied as elsewhere throughout its area. By virtue of the stitchmg securing the longitudinal margins of strip 19 to the pad body 15, the hump 16 is definitely held from flattening out and is consequently always pres; cut, as is also a hollow 29 which is formed thereunder.

Alternatively, .said hump-retaining means may have the modified construction exemplified in Figures '7 to 12 absorption and deter moisture passing.

by the stitches of said means.

inclusive. In this form of the invention, said means is constituted as a series of loosely applied stitches or threads 21 crosswise of the hump 16 at its base. One method of application of the said stitches 21 is indicated in Figure 7 as involving doubling the pad longitudinally somewhat loosely and then applying the stitches 21 loosely through the doubled pad at approximately the cross-diameter of the bent-over middle. Then when the margins 17 are flattened out, as in Fig. 8, the medial portion is formed as a longitudinal bulge or hump 16 and is maintained as such by the cross stitches 21, the hump having a flaring hollow 29 beneath said stitches. As in the preferred construction first described, the hump is a major portion of the length of the pad and in the formative stage of Fig. 8, the sides and ends of the hump slope down to the level of the side portions 17 and end portions 18 of the pad body.

It is a feature of the present invention, that not only the medial portion of the pad shall bulge upward, but also the longitudinal side portions or margins 17 curl or bulge upward. In fact, it is preferable that said margins shall bulge upward to the approximate same level as the bulging upward of the medial hump 16. This upward curl of the side margins is secured during fabrication and maintained thereafter in use of the bandage. Attainment of this objective and formation of the bandage is accomplished by applying an upward inward deflecting force to said margins and wrapping the pad at an appropriate stage of fabrication of the bandage with an outer wrap or retaining binding of gauze or the like 22. The gauze used is of a very fuzzy character and by lapping it upon itself affords ample interlocking against sliding upon itself so it will readily retain the pad from flattening out once the gauze is applied. With the margins 17 thus curled upward, grooves or valleys 23 are formed longitudinally of the pad between the hump and said margins.

Giving attention now to additional details and constructional features, it may be pointed out that the pad body is fabricated from a plurality of laminations of paper, fiufi, or similar materials all cut to the same size and shape. The bottom one or two sheets may be advantageously made water-resistant so as to retard moisture These waterresistant sheets may be incorporated as the bottom layers of the stack of laminations in the initial formation. of the pad, or, as shown in Fig. 13, may be later applied after the aforementioned hump is formed so as to underlie the hump-retaining means and thus not be perforated These water-resistant laminations have been specifically identified by numeral 24 whether above or below hump-retaining means.

Extending a major part of the length of the pad juxtaposed to the top lamination of the pad body, is a layer of highly absorbent fluff 25 of cotton or other acceptable material, said layer being bent down around the side edges of the pad body and underlapping thebottom somewhat. While it is preferable for said layer 25. to be formed with the several laminations of the pad body as the surface thereof following the contour of hump, valleys and up-turned margins, the invention also contemplates the application of this layer after the hump and valleys have been formed, as shown in Fig. 13.. In any case, said layer 25. does not extend lengthwise of the pad over the end portions 18 thereof which are normally flat, but is substantially co-extensive with the length of the hump. Because of the presence of the hump, and of the fluff layer, and of a plurality of shorter .lengths of laminations, the intermediate portion of the pad has greater thickness than. the end portions 18, the intermediate thickness being important formoisture absorption, and the less thickness of the end portions being important for comfort and non-bulging appearance under the clothing of the wearer in use. i

-- The substantially flat end portions 18 of the pad body tion and irritation.

have tapering side edges 28 such that the basal part of 'the end portions merging with the major intermediate section of the pad body has a width of equal dimension therewith, and slopes to less width toward the outer extremity of the said end portion. At the junctions of the tapered side edges with the major section of the pad body, and at or about the end of the fluff layer 25, the pad body has incisions or slits 26 inwardly from the side edges. These incisions are conductive to retaining the end portions 18 flat notwithstanding the bulging formation of the major intermediate section.

While the bandages of my improved construction may be made singly or by hand, the structure is such that they are very readily manufactured in bulk by machine. Appropriate stacks of laminations of the paper or cellulose materials are first cut to form the pad body of the desired elongated shape the end portions of which have longitudinally converging side edges 28 and have lateral slits 26 at the basal ends of said end portions. After the pad body is cut and slit, the fluff layer 25 is applied across the top face and lengthwise from slit to slit and turned at its sides to overlie the side edges of the laminations and tucked under the lower lamination, which, as stated above, may be water-resistant. As the materials thus assembled are quite flimsy, it is desirable to apply a wrapper 27 of gauze, paper, or other suitable material, around the several laminations and fluff layer which constitute the pad body. This inner Wrapping 27 is shown as extending substantially from end to end of the pad body and will incidentally, but with no ill effect, have a looseness around the tapered end portions 18. The hump 16 is next formed and the hump-retaining means applied, which involves applying loose stitches 20 or 21 which can be done practically by virtue of the materials being held by the inner wrapping. The cross-sections of Figs. 5 and 8 show the pad fabricated to the extent above described.

Finally, the margins 17 between slits or incisions 26 are pressed inwardly upward toward the hump 16 forming the valleys or grooves 23, and the outer wrapping 22 is applied, thereby retaining the margins bending upward to an elevation approximately as far as, as here shown, and slightly higher than the medial hump 16 therebetween. It may further be noted, that this outer wrap 22 is considerably longer than the pad body, and constitutes a tail as usual for attachment to a supporting belt or the like worn by the user.

It should be particularly noted that by virtue of the accordian type of longitudinal folding producing the medial hump 16, valleys 23, and bent-up margins 17, that lateral compression merely resiliently folds the bandage further and as the compressive force is relieved, the bandage returns to its original shape. Furthermore, since the margin edges project upward, they will engage and fit into the uppermost part of users legs at the crotch where there is minimum movement and thus the least cause for fric- These two features, namely, of accordian resiliency and upward projection of the margins, combine to provide a pad usable by persons, such as young ladies, with narrow crotches, or others such as more mature women, with crotches of greater width. in all events, the bandage maintains its basic shape and presents a medial I portion, specifically the hump, in conjunction with inwardly facing sides of the margins'17 which aflford a large fluid capacityaugmented by the valleys 23 intervening between the hump and gathered-in margins to receive and retain any gushes pending absorption in the pad material. The valleys 23 are more particularly effective in diffusing the female discharge lengthwise thereof than conventional pads of prior art. As the moisture-resistant layers 25 of the pad are toward the users legs, the moisture is restrained from going through the pad thereat and the user neither has the discomfort of feeling moisture 9n the legsnor of suffering from scratching by'a surface where moisture has coagulated and dried.

The upward projection of the side margins 17 contacting the users crotch, in conjunction with the body-engaging end portions 18 of the pad, make a desirable odor-sealing pocket cupped over the vulva and confining the discharge and odor within that pocket. Not only does the accordion type folding of the pad afiord desired lateral resiliency and appropriate fit in the users crotch, but it functions beneficially to keep the pad in position both laterally and longitudinally, thus avoiding slipping which is so prevalent and objectionable in the prior art. Further benefit is obtained by the transverse incisions 26 which lessen buckling at the ends of the bandage and enable the pad end portions 18 to lie flat next the users body. The taper 23 of the end portion 18 of the pad reduces the mass of material at the end of the bandage so as to avoid tendency of the material to buckle and wedge in the crevice of the users body between the buttocks, which has heretofore been prevalent with pads and especially when the user is in sitting posture.

I claim:

1. A catamenial bandage comprising an elongated absorbent pad, said pad having a medial hump longitudinally of and at the top thereof, a hump-retaining means at the base of said hump, said pad having margins longitudinally thereof each making a single bend outwardly upward directly from the base of said hump and each providing a single valley in said pad between the hump and margin at the region of said bend, and a wrapping of pervious material around said pad retaining said margins bent upwardly.

2. A catamenial bandage comprising an elongated absorbent pad, said pad having a single medial rounded hump and having side margins contiguous to and at opposite sides of the hump and bending upward and in conjunction with said hump forming a valley at each side of said hump, and a layer of material more absorbent than said absorbent pad, said layer being located at the top of said hump and pad.

3. A catamenial bandage in accordance with claim 1, wherein said hump retaining means at the base of said hump provides stitching through the base of said hump.

4. A catamenial bandage in accordance with claim 1, wherein said hump retaining means at the base of said hump provides vertical stitching at the base of said hump.

5. A catamenial bandage in accordance with claim 1, wherein said hump retaining means at the base of said hump provides horizontal stitching through the base of said hump.

6. A catamenial bandage in accordance with claim 1, wherein said hump retaining means at the base of said hump provides a strip longitudinally underlying said hump and afixed to the basal portions thereof by stitching.

7. A catamenial bandage comprising an elongated absorbent pad, said pad having a medial rounded hump longitudinally of and at the top thereof, said pad having margins at both sides of said hump longitudinally thereof, and said side margins being bent outwardly upwardly from the base of said hump so as to form a permanent up wardly open and laterally walled valley between said hump and each of said side margins, and means to retain said side margins in a permanent outwardly upward position.

8. A catamenial bandage in accordance with claim 7, wherein both said medial rounded hump longitudinally of and at the top thereof, and the side margins bent upwardly and outwardly from the base of said hump are of substantially equal height, thereby forming a permanent substantially horizontal level across the upper limits of said medial hump and the adjacent said upwardly bent side margins.

9. A catamenial bandage comprising an elongated absorbent pad, said pad having its longitudinal side margins folded in an outwardly upwardly direction substantially along the longitudinal middle portion of said pad, thereby forming a permanent deep and laterally walled valley at the base of each said upwardly folded side margin, and means to retain said margins in permanent upwardly directed position.

10. A catamenial bandage in accordance with claim 9, wherein a layer of absorbent material overlies the top of said pad and spans across the tops of said valleys, and said layer underlying said means provided to retain said margins in permanent upwardly directed position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,064,431 Jurgensen Dec. 15, 1936 2,331,355 Strongson Oct. 12, 1943 2,618,816 Joa Nov. 25, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 564,905 Germany Nov. 24, 1932 

